The Tesla Master Plan, Part Deux is out (and if anyone is a hot shot, it’s Elon), and if you haven’t read it, read it. Since they’re nearing completion of part one and the media attacks against Tesla have just begun to warm up, the time is ripe.

I can’t say I’m surprised about the overall plan because it makes perfect sense to me. I had anticipated in a small way some of the consequences of a self-driving car, but I hadn’t considered hiring out my Tesla to go drive people around, driverless, Uber-style. I fully expect my car to be able to go run errands and pick-up/drop-off family and friends. Want a Tobin’s pizza and won’t need the car for a few days? Send it on a 2,000-mile errand to Normal, IL. Just be sure to call ahead first. I believe that my future children will never have to learn how to drive, unless for sport or recreation.

Some things I’m sure Tesla has considered:

  • How will the autonomous vehicles identify themselves to their fare? Personally I’m a fan of LED message signs, but that may be too tacky. Glance in to have a look at the giant LCD control panel? Perhaps. Or simply inform the passengers of the model, color, and license plate?

  • Where is my car now? Open the Tesla App and see its location, heading, velocity, and even (or especially) the live video feed from its camera system.

I can see economic opportunities emerging from self-driving cars that can run errands for you. Drive-through grocery pick-up with online ordering? Okay. :)

Also, how about the removal of on-street parking, instead having simple drop-off and pick-up zones where the car then goes to park itself, possibly quite a distance away? Or it just goes home and comes back later to pick us up?

We’ll need some robust, autonomous self-charging capabilities, though. That snake charger looks neat but how reliable will it be in the long term?

Anyway, I’m enjoying anticipating these future problems opportunities, for before long, tomorrow will be here.